Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider explains decision to pull Kevin Gausman in Game 1 of ALCS
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
For most of the night, Toronto Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman had Rogers Centre wrapped around his finger. Then, with a pull, it came undone.
Like many other managers, Blue Jays manager John Schneider knows that his decisions aren't always going to be popular ones.
In Game 1 of the 2025 American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, Schneider was faced with one of his biggest ones as a manager yet.
Facing a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning, Schneider had the choice to keep starting pitcher Kevin Gausman in the game after he'd given up just three hits and one run, or pull him out to avoid further damage.
Gausman's shutout was broken up after 5 2/3 dominant innings by a home run from Cal Raleigh, the monster in the middle of the Mariners' lineup who the Blue Jays will be planning the rest of their week around.
Big blows from Raleigh, like Aaron Judge in the ALDS against the Yankees, can be inescapable.
After exiting the game, Gausman was also charged with an earned run off a Jorge Polanco RBI single to cash in Rodriguez, which gave the Mariners a 2-1 lead.
John Schneider addresses decision to pull Kevin Gausman from game one of the ALCS
«You're trying to read the situation, and every game is different,» manager John Schneider said. «Kind of wanted to turn Polanco around. In hindsight, you try to make him chase one more time with [Josh] Naylor sitting there on deck. Those are things you learn from going into tomorrow.»
«I know Kevin had retired him twice. I get it. I totally get it,» Schneider said. «I think it's a good thing to turn switch-hitters around at times, and I think it depends on who you're bringing in and what they'll be featuring, too. That's what made sense in the moment.»
«I wish there was a little more swing and miss. You've got a fully rested bullpen,» Schneider said. «I wanted him to get Julio. It's pick your poison there. I was just reading the situation after the walk, and you're trying to squash it. You're not expecting a wild pitch and things like that. I thought Kevin threw the ball really well. He did what we expected him to do.»
The Fox Sports broadcast did not agree with John Schneider's decision to pull Kevin Gausman after 76 pitches. Derek Jeter in particular.
«When you're in the opposing dugout and you have a starter that is absolutely dealing, if they go to the bullpen, I don't care who they bring in, you're excited because it's a new look»
The crew does not agree with the Blue Jays pulling Kevin Gausman after 76 pitches tonight.
The crew does not agree with the Blue Jays pulling Kevin Gausman after 76 pitches tonight.
Despite the thoughts about pitching decisions, the Blue Jays' offence wasn't exactly at its best either.
In his postgame scrum, Vladimir Guerrero Jr reminded reporters it was simply "one game," and expects the Blue Jays to bounce back.
«We didn't hit,» said Vlad Jr.
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